







In English we use the present simple tense to talk about facts or things that are always true, as well as things in general. Present simple is also used to talk about a repeated action such as a habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event or something that often happens.
In English we use 'do' and 'does' as auxiliary verbs in negatives and questions and we often use the present simple with adverbs of frequency such as sometimes, always, often, never, usually, rarely, and hardly ever.
Notes for use of present simple :
In the third person, ‘s’ is added to the verb form. For example;
work --> works
run --> runs
live --> lives
For verbs that end in 'o', 'sh', 'ch', 's' and 'x', we add 'es' to the verb form. For example;
go --> goes
wish --> wishes
watch --> watches
kiss --> kisses
fax --> faxes
For verbs that end in a consonant + 'y', we change the 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'. For example;
try --> tries
study --> studies
The table below shows the different forms of present simple :
Example Verb : Work | I / You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | ... work. | ... works. |
| Negative | ... don't work. | ... doesn't work. |
Questions | Do ... work? | Does ... work? |
| Short answers | Yes, ... do. / No, ... don't. | Yes, ... does. / No, ... doesn't. |
For the verb 'to be' we use 'am', 'is', 'are' in the present simple. No auxiliary verbs are used in negative sentences and questions.
Verb: Be | I | You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | I'm ... | ... 're ... | ... 's ... |
| Negative | I'm not ... | ... aren't ... | ... isn't ... |
| Questions | Am I ... ? | Are ... ...? | Is ... ...? |
| Short answers | Yes, I am. / No, I'm not. | Yes, ... are. / No, ... aren't. | Yes, ... is. / No, ... isn't. |
Present Simple Example Sentences :
Positive Examples of Present Simple :
Negative Examples of Present Simple :
Question Examples of Present Simple :
| Present simple example sentences | |
|---|---|
| I don't have time to cook everyday. | |
| He's a... Sorry Mike, what do you do? | |
| Bear hates being at a vet, too. | |
| I want him to check the heaters in the rooms while he is here! | |
| Can you please not forget to take some poo bags with you! | |
| Is there anything else you want me to do? | |
| What's the reason for the cancellation this time? | |
| Well, not really! I don't like cooking much. | |
| Okay, how long is it, do you know? | |
| Isn't it faster taking the tube? | |
| I think Diego and I are the only smokers in the house. | |
| What else could I do? Do you expect me not to sleep till I die? | |
| Oh god, I feel too tired now. | |
| Do you want me to make you a cup of tea or coffee? | |
| What line is it on? | |
| It's very difficult to talk to you on the phone right now. | |
| Also, one of my friends works there. | |
| I think so, at least there is no aggression. | |
| I know, I thought you might like to have it with her alone. | |
| I live just opposite the pub. | |